Obituary of Giovanni Vitale, Jr

Vitale, Jr, Giovanni "John" age 89 of Totowa at rest in Paterson on June 1, 2025. Beloved husband of sixty five years to the former Alba Bella of Totowa. Loving father of Janice Abbe of Totowa, Suzanne Lambrugo and her husband Christian of Cranford and Anthony Vitale of Totowa. Dear grandfather of Anthony Caltavuturo and his wife Cecily, Christopher Caltavuturo and his wife Caroline, Christian Vitale and his wife Claudia, Raven Abbe, Lily Abbe, Jackson Lambrugo and Andrew Lambrugo. Great grandfather of Ruby, Violet and Claire Caltavuturo. Brother of Giuseppe Vitale of West New York. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. Born in Ragusa, Sicily, Italy, he came to the U.S.A. in 1951 settling in West New York before moving to Paterson in 1963. John has lived in Totowa since 1973. He was a Finisher for Zenith Dyeing & Finishing Co. Paterson, for thirty years before retiring in 1995. John was a gentle, kind hearted soul and a dedicated hardworking man. Throughout his life, he was strong, overcoming struggles by working the overnight shift to ensure that his family didn't suffer the hardships he experienced as a child. He was a faithful husband, overflowing with integrity as well as a sensitive father who was unafraid to show his emotions. Although he was tough at work, once he came home he was tender to his children. Even after his retirement, he was in every sense of the word a family man. He took great pleasure in telling his children and grandchildren stories of his youth in the old country. Being generous to a fault, he never let his grandchildren leave without cash in their pockets. As a grandfather he felt great pride, so imagine how he felt when he became a great grandfather! For those who knew him, his wit and comedic timing was unmatched. Just when we thought he wasn't listening, we'd hear one of his funny remarks from his couch. John will be profoundly missed by anyone who had the great pleasure of knowing him. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service at the Festa Memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa, on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa. Friends may visit on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Donations in John's memory may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.